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HIPAA

HIPAA

HIPAA Violations Settlement

3 Tips Avoid $3M HIPAA Violations Settlement for Unencrypted Device

The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) has agreed to pay $3 million for a potential HIPAA violations settlement. Master three takeaways so your practice doesn’t land on the same costly path. URMC in New York State which includes healthcare components such as the School of Medicine and Dentistry and Strong Memorial Hospital filed breach […]
Published Date: November 22, 2019
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HIPAA Violations

Practice QA: Derail HIPAA Violations When Leaving Patient Messages

QUESTION: I’m trying to help staff avoid HIPAA violations when leaving patient messages. What should and shouldn’t you say when leaving voice messages for patients?   – Anonymous, Chicago, IL   How to Avoid HIPAA Violations When Leaving Messages ANSWER: To avoid HIPAA violations, first, it’s important that you have a signed consent form on file […]
Published Date: November 15, 2019
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Legal Column: 3 HIPAA Compliance Cases Giving Attorney Nightmares – Heidi Kocher, Esq

There’s a lot at stake if healthcare professionals don’t comply with HIPAA and other government regulations. No one knows this better than myself – a healthcare attorney. The relationship between healthcare attorneys and the practices we serve is a paradox. On the one hand, the healthcare attorney is viewed as the institution’s life raft — […]
Published Date: October 29, 2019
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medical records requests

Stick to 4 Medical Records Requests Requirements to Avoid HIPAA Fine

With fines for medical record request violations on the rise, you can’t afford to not comply with releasing records the right way. Sure, distributing records can be an irritation in a busy day but dealing with costly HIPAA violations is way worse. Read on for the skinny on medical records requests – what rules to […]
Published Date: September 30, 2019
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HIPAA Violation nurse giving patient medical records

First Medical Records Patient Access HIPAA Fine Issued

You may have recently seen the announcement that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) had their first patient access enforcement action. The $85,000 payment wasn’t recorded as an actual HIPAA violation, but as as settlement with Bayfront Health of St. Petersburg (Bayfront). So, why should […]
Published Date: September 12, 2019
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HIPAA Breach Reporting needed or maybe just a data leak

When Your Data Breach Doesn’t Need HIPAA Breach Reporting

It seems like you hear about HIPAA breach reporting more and more each year. And it’s true. As hackers become more advanced, breaching relatively unprotected healthcare data gets easier and easier. Plus, healthcare data is particularly enticing. Unlike passwords or bank account information, healthcare data — like names, birth dates, and social security numbers — […]
Published Date: September 5, 2019
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Respond to a HIPAA Breach

How to Respond to a HIPAA Breach in 5 Steps

A provider’s laptop is left in a taxi, a front desk sheet lists patients’ names, a practice’s website is hacked, all easy accidents that could happen to you. And how you respond to a HIPAA breach will play a major role in the penalty – if any – assigned. Be sure to follow these compliance […]
Published Date: August 25, 2019
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5 Ways to Prevent HIPAA Violations – And How to Respond to a Breach

Your network is behind a firewall. Your email is encrypted. You change your EHR passwords every three months. Think you’re safe from preventing HIPAA violations? Think again — and then take a good look in the mirror. Human factors are by far the biggest source of risk, experts say. In fact, more than half (59 […]
Published Date: August 1, 2019
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Ransomware Hackers

Stop Ransomware Hackers Before They Strike

It doesn't matter if you work in a hospital system or are a solo-practitioner. It doesn't matter what state you're located in or what specialty you practice. And the "I didn't know" excuse isn't going to fly either. Unless you take action, you're at risk...
Published Date: April 1, 2018
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